Tinubu Makes Crucial Appointment

News Update

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Hon. Sanusi Garba Rikiji as the new Director-General of the Nigerian Office for Trade Negotiations (NOTN).

This places him in charge of steering the country’s trade talks on regional, continental, and global levels.

The announcement was made as part of ongoing efforts to reshape Nigeria’s economic strategy, with trade playing a major role in boosting investment and reducing reliance on oil revenue.

Rikiji’s appointment is expected to influence how Nigeria engages in international trade partnerships, especially under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), ECOWAS, and the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Before this role, Rikiji had served in several top political and administrative positions.

He was a former Speaker of the Zamfara State House of Assembly and once represented his constituency in the House of Representatives.

He also served as Chief of Staff to former Speaker of the House, Femi Gbajabiamila, where he played key roles in legislative coordination and national engagements.

In 2022, Rikiji left his federal appointment to run for office under the All Progressives Congress (APC) and was picked as the party’s consensus candidate for the Gusau/Tsafe Federal Constituency, showing strong grassroots support.

Well-known for his calm approach, administrative skill, and experience in governance, Rikiji has continued to serve in both official and advisory roles across different levels of government.

Now at the helm of NOTN, Rikiji is expected to lead negotiations that will open up new trade routes, attract investors, and strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global market.